Todd Haynes and his crew were preparing for their new film, with five days to go before the shoot began, when one of its stars walked away.
Variety reports that actor Joaquin Phoenix has “abandoned” the production of the still-untitled gay detective romance just as production was gearing up. The project took a lot of time, especially from Phoenix himself, who had developed the screenplay for the detective love story with Haynes and Jon Raymond.
Now, the Joker actor has “cold feet” and made the hast choice to exit the film. The reason is still up in the air, but the nature and content within the film could be a reason. The new movie from filmmaker Todd Haynes would’ve been rated NC-17 and feature a relationship that will “challenge” audiences. Rumors have swirled that it could be a reason that Phoenix was uncomfortable with the graphic sex scenes, but it should be reiterated that the actor worked on the script with Haynes and Raymond.
Top Gun: Maverick star Danny Ramirez joined the project recently and was tapped as the love interest for Phoenix’s character. Little was known about the plot, but it was set to feature the pair intertwined in one of Haynes’ signature chaotic tales.
This is seemingly written with the project in the past because, without Phoenix, the film is said to be in peril. Entire sets had been built in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the film was far enough along that reports say the actor could not be recast. The crew is reportedly out of work, and there are still major stakeholders in the film who will want to be paid.
Variety notes that “losses could exceed seven figures.”
Originally published August 9, 2024. Updated August 10, 2024.
